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• All about me - Katrina Paton

► All about me - Katrina Paton

Your UHISA Vice President - Who am I?

I was recently elected as the Vice President of your student association, UHISA. I have just completed the honours year of the BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies degree here at UHI. This degree is 100% online and it was necessary to learn to communicate through all mediums to prevent feelings of isolation but, it has prepared me for the amount of virtual communication required for this job. However, I do have a telephone in my office and a mobile, if you would prefer to speak to me or, if you're in Moray College, call in anytime - my office is Room A107 in the Art Block.

From leaving school at sixteen, I have had a number of jobs from a wages clerk to a nursery assistant. It wasn't until I began working in a school with an autistic child, that I realised I wanted a career that would give me a sense of real achievement and, pay more than the minimum wage. I did a couple of courses with the Open University, but, other than the odd phone call from your tutor, you were very much alone. I decided that if I was going to get a degree, I would need to find another way. This is when I came across the UHI and I have never looked back. This is the main reason I wanted to become a sabbatical officer; I wanted to give something back, before I move on.

Nonetheless, university changes you. My dreams of becoming a teacher quickly faded and I started choosing psychology based modules rather than education themed ones. Therefore, I began to realise that I would be better suited to social work; in an ideal world this would be a post-graduate option that UHI could offer, I've got my fingers crossed!

Okay, enough about education...                                             

I am a single mum with two boys aged 10 and 13 years. They have supported me throughout my studies and rarely complained about the amount of time I spent studying. I also have a 3 year old German Shepherd called Riddick who keeps me company when I go running through the forests of Morayshire. My fiancé doesn't get the whole university thing, as he's a building contractor and has no interest in education, but he is quite happy to let me do my own thing!

I have always been an active member of the UHI student population. I was elected as the class rep in my first year and every year after. It is a rewarding role and not very time consuming; attend a couple of committee meetings throughout the year and report the results back to the students you represent. You can gain a number of skills such as the presentation of ideas, debating, summarising information and communication skills plus it increases your confidence.

The Student Mentor Network was piloted last year and due to it's success, has become part of the student support offered by UHI. I mentored two students whilst studying and intend to continue doing so this year. It a great way to meet new people and is a valuable work skill which, future employers recognise.  If you fancy becoming a student mentor or being mentored by a fellow student, then get in touch with me or Kevin Sinclair, the UHI Mentor Co-ordinator.

The UHI Career Centre is another service for students that I've been involved in.  It's never too early to start doing things alongside your degree that will help you get a job at the end.  I tried the career coaching and it was definitely something I'd recommend at any point in your student journey.  They advertise jobs which can fit in around your studies on their Facebook page, so I would urge you 'like' their page.  I will be working with the UHI Career Centre in finding opportunities for you to volunteer and get some work experience in your local area.

Thank you for listening and I'm looking forward to working with you to enrich your university experience

Katrina

01343 567300   |    07920703880   |   Follow me on  @KatrinaPaton

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